French President Emmanuel Macron announced the deployment of three Rafale fighter jets to Poland in response to recent Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace.
The move is part of a broader effort to reinforce NATO’s eastern flank and demonstrate unity among European allies.
“I have decided to deploy three Rafale fighters to help protect Polish airspace and the Eastern Flank of Europe alongside our NATO allies,” Macron said in a post. “This follows my commitment yesterday to the Polish Prime Minister.”
The deployment comes after a series of cross-border incidents involving Russian drones, which have prompted concern in Warsaw and among NATO members. Poland has requested additional support to reinforce its air defense capabilities amid growing pressure on its eastern border with Ukraine.
France’s decision follows a telephone call between Macron and Polish Prime Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz. Macron also spoke with NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer, both of whom have expressed support for reinforcing the alliance’s presence in the region.
According to Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz, both France and the United Kingdom are proposing to send fighter aircraft, including Rafale and Eurofighter jets, to assist with air patrols over Poland.
“The French and British are issuing their statements in the form of Rafale and Eurofighter aircraft to protect our skies,” he said.
As noted by the minister, Czech forces have also pledged support, offering to send three Mi-171Sh helicopters and around 100 troops. Poland, a key NATO member bordering Ukraine, has become increasingly exposed to Russian drone activity as the conflict continues.
The French Rafales will operate alongside Polish and allied aircraft, contributing to early warning, air policing, and deterrence missions. While the full operational scope of the deployment was not disclosed, French forces are expected to integrate quickly with existing NATO air defense structures.